Articles on the sutras of chapter one, Integration (samadhi), of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra.

March 13, 2020

Review of Yoga Sutra chapter 1: Integration

Yoga Sutra Summary Chapter 1 Integration An exploration of the state of being This first chapter consists of six interconnected topics: what is yoga? [1.1-1.4], ways of being [1.5-1.11], a method for self-regulation [1.12-1.22], an alternative approach, humility [1.23-1.29], distractions, their symptoms and removal [1.30-1.39], the progression of insight into liberation [1.40 - 1.51]
March 6, 2020

1.51 Supreme integration

Yoga Sutra 1.51 Supreme integration All Impressions and identification dissolve. The level of integration when there are no subconscious impressions left (nirbija samadhi). Culmination of the process of cultivating your natural inner stillness and inner silence with the curiosity that might reveal the obvious yet elusive essence of existence.
February 28, 2020

1.50 Impressions of absolute true wisdom

Yoga Sutra 1.50 Impressions of absolute true wisdom Beneficial impressions contain unhelpful impressions As you remove distractions and experience your inner calmness you allocate more energy and attentional resources to helpful impressions. Then the less-than-helpful impressions dwindle and, eventually, disappear. Are your unhelpful tendencies diminishing?
February 28, 2020

1.48 & 1.49 Dwelling in absolute true wisdom

Yoga Sutra 1.48 & 1.49 Dwelling in absolute true wisdom Bearing the truth in one’s self (rtambhara) Witness with greater clarity the intricate and delicate interconnectedness between all aspects of life. Your direct experience of wisdom cannot be replaced by inference and testimony. How does wisdom manifest in your daily activities? Do the insights you receive, when you trust them, result in greater harmony?
February 28, 2020

1.46 Integration states with seed (sabija)

Yoga Sutra 1.46 Integration states with seed Eventually the focal object is released Two interpretations of bija, as focal point and as subconscious impressions that remain and generate future actions. A practice to release the focal object of the meditation.
February 28, 2020

1.45 Undifferentiated substratum of existence

Yoga Sutra 1.45 Undifferentiated substratum of existence Experiencing pure awareness directly What are the subtlest aspects of your own experiences? What is beyond your subtlest aspect? What is the space where all experiences take place?
February 28, 2020

1.44 Subtle levels of integration

Yoga Sutra 1.44 Subtle levels of integration Focus on subtler objects of meditation What focal objects are fascinating enough to invite you into these deeper stages of meditation? What effect does it have on you to experience a focal object directly? What effect does that have on your beliefs, values, desires, and interests?